A group of bipartisan US senators has recently introduced two distinct bills related to artificial intelligence (AI) as the interest in addressing AI-related concerns continues to grow.
The first bill focuses on ensuring transparency in the US government’s use of AI when interacting with individuals, while the second bill aims to establish an office responsible for assessing the country’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.
As the prominence of AI increases, lawmakers are initiating discussions on potential new regulations that may be necessary. This heightened attention on AI was exemplified earlier this year with the widespread availability of ChatGPT, an AI program capable of responding to written questions.
Senators Gary Peters, Mike Braun, and James Lankford have jointly introduced a bill that mandates US government agencies to inform individuals when they employ AI to interact with them. The proposed legislation also includes a provision for establishing a mechanism through which individuals can challenge any decisions made by AI systems.
According to Senator Braun, “The federal government needs to be proactive and transparent with AI utilization and ensure that decisions aren’t being made without humans in the driver’s seat”.
In a separate move, Senators Michael Bennet, Mark Warner, and Todd Young have introduced a bill that seeks to create an Office of Global Competition Analysis. This office would focus on positioning the United States at the forefront of AI development, ensuring the country’s continued leadership in this field.
Senator Michael Bennet emphasized, “We cannot afford to lose our competitive edge in strategic technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to competitors like China.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken steps to address the issue by scheduling three briefings for senators. These briefings aim to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence, including achieving American leadership in the field. Additionally, a classified session will cover defense and intelligence matters related to AI.
The introduction of these bills demonstrates the US Congress’ focus on addressing artificial intelligence-related challenges and harnessing its potential through legislative measures.
